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A review by erboe501
The Old Drift by Namwali Serpell
4.0
This took absolutely forever to complete on audio, but the plot was compelling enough to keep you invested. I wouldn't necessarily recommend others listen to the book, as the family trees are hard to keep track of when you don't have any physical reference pages. What was sad to read was how many characters had the spark of excitement, energy, passion, love in their youth, and once they become periphery characters in adulthood or old age in another character's chapter, they're disillusioned and disgruntled. Few love matches remain harmonious.
I chose this book at the recommendation of a book group based on my interest in magical realism. I don't know if I'd classify this as necessarily magical realist. The Italians in the beginning chapters come the closest with Nonna's hair that grows wildly long. We also move slightly into the future into something almost dystopic with the "bead" technology implanted into everyone's hands that serve as a mini computer projected onto the skin. Zambia is becoming a surveillance state, with forced vaccinations of experimental drugs. A magical, dystopic family epic.
I chose this book at the recommendation of a book group based on my interest in magical realism. I don't know if I'd classify this as necessarily magical realist. The Italians in the beginning chapters come the closest with Nonna's hair that grows wildly long. We also move slightly into the future into something almost dystopic with the "bead" technology implanted into everyone's hands that serve as a mini computer projected onto the skin. Zambia is becoming a surveillance state, with forced vaccinations of experimental drugs. A magical, dystopic family epic.